Suarez’s sense of responsibility is remarkable, says coach Tabarez
Uruguay booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage along with Russia on Wednesday, as Luis Suarez scored the winner on his 100th international appearance in a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
The South Americans take on the hosts in their final Group A match on June 25 with top spot on the line.
Oscar Tabarez’s side missed plenty of opportunities to add further goals, but a toothless Saudi outfit never seriously looked like snatching a point.
“His sense of responsibility is remarkable,” said Tabarez of Suarez.
“He assumes the pressure which he lives under and it gives him a unique character. Even when he doesn’t play well, he always believes he can make a contribution for the team.”
Uruguay, semi-finalists eight years ago in South Africa, have now reached the knockout stage for the third straight time, while Saudi Arabia will try again in their search for a first World Cup win since 1994 in their final game against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt.
That strike was Suarez’s sixth World Cup goal and made him the first Uruguayan to score in three separate finals.
“The goal was special because I wanted to make up for the other day against Egypt,” said an elated Suarez.
ROSTOV-ON-DON:
Updated till Denmark-Australia match; * denotes qualified for Round of 16